Why napping can be good for you

Many people turn their backs on the idea of power napping, believing that it is a waste of time or that they simply don’t have the time to nap, no matter how long it is. However, napping during the day, from just a few minutes up to an hour, has a number of great benefits, enabling the napper to achieve much more than they ordinarily would. Some of the benefits are as follows.

Refreshing

Sometimes, it can be very hard to switch off from the day, even for a short time, if you are busy and have a list of things you want to do. However, if you nap, you are therefore able to shut down for just a little while, and will find yourself much refreshed when you wake. This will enable you to concentrate better and therefore get more done.

Helps memory

Over-work and tiredness can make it hard for you to remember things well. Research has shown that napping, even for a short time, can help your memory so that you are able to respond better and perform more strongly. This can help in any kind of job or lifestyle – most people could do with an increase in memory power.

Less stress

When tired, things can often seem that much more serious than they really are, leading to stress. You may find it hard to sleep well at night because you have so much on your mind. Taking a nap after lunch can just take the edge off the sleepiness, enabling you to consider things in a much more sensible way.

Better health

There is research to suggest that napping is good for the health. Researchers in Greece looked at two groups of people, one of which napped for at least 30 minutes three times a week. The nappers were found to be 37 percent less likely to die as a result of heart problems. At the very least, it is likely to do more good than harm.

Less sleepy

Many people struggle with sleepiness in the afternoons, particularly if they have not slept well the night before. This can make them bad-tempered and sluggish, often reaching for coffee to perk them up. The intake of caffeine can then make it harder to sleep at night. Using the time it takes to get a coffee to nap is a much healthier option.

More creative

It is hard to be creative if you are tired and irritable. The tasks of the day weigh on your mind and you find it hard to concentrate on anything that involves creativity. A brief nap, however, can clear the mind and help you to think more clearly, enabling you to be more resourceful and inventive.

If there is somewhere quiet where you can nap during the day, then try it – you may just find it works very well for you.